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Tue, 03 Mar 2015 18:49:11 +0000en-UShourly1Burial Pods: Biodegradable Coffins Could One Day Replace Depressing Cemeteries With Lush Green Forestshttp://www.inquisitr.com/1888594/burial-pods-biodegradable-coffins-could-one-day-replace-depressing-cemeteries-with-lush-green-forests/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1888594/burial-pods-biodegradable-coffins-could-one-day-replace-depressing-cemeteries-with-lush-green-forests/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 22:51:19 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1888594A couple has created nature-friendly burial pods that can potentially replace the depressing sight of a cemetery with a lush green forest. These biodegradable coffins could help a seed blossom into a beautiful tree, thereby allowing one source of life to spark and nurture another. The Capsula Mundi project, envisioned and crafted by designers Anna

A couple has created nature-friendly burial pods that can potentially replace the depressing sight of a cemetery with a lush green forest. These biodegradable coffins could help a seed blossom into a beautiful tree, thereby allowing one source of life to spark and nurture another.

The Capsula Mundi project, envisioned and crafted by designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel in Italy, has already been developed. Unfortunately, it is stuck in red tape as it is against Italian law to bury someone in this manner. However, that hasn’t stopped the duo from putting up their design for display in hopes that people will use their burial pods instead of coffins to help Mother Nature.

“No matter what your faith or if you believe in after-life, these organic burial pods that turn loved ones into trees make the idea of death a little more comforting.”

Once the project has gained legal status, the designers hope their burial pods will create cemeteries full of trees instead of tombstones. Though ornate, tombstones do nothing but occupy space and prevent Mother Nature from reclaiming what was hers to begin with. These tree-laden cemeteries would hopefully be transformed into parks that could be referred to as “memory forests,” allowing the living descendants to remember their loved ones in the form of giant trees.

The Burial Pod Will Give Back To The Mother Nature And Help Conserve Trees

These burial pods are essentially biodegradable caskets, however, they resemble an egg. The dead body is encapsulated into a fetal position – the same one in which a human is born – and the pod is sealed. Once the burial pod is placed sufficiently deep inside the earth, a seed is placed above it. This will allow the seed to draw nutrients that will slowly keep seeping out of the decomposing pod.

The Decomposing Burial Pod Will Supply Nutrients To The Plant Above

The designer duo further added that it is a lot cheaper and eco-friendly to bury the dead in these pods instead of overpriced coffins that do little for mother earth. Coffins require wood which is procured by cutting down trees. The eco-friendly burial pods — which dissolve a lot sooner in the earth — are made from all renewable and biodegradable materials, including starch plastic and seasonal plants, such as potatoes and corn.

The Burial Pods Are Made Of Biodegradable And Naturally Sourced Materials

A tree that takes 10 to 40 years to mature is chopped down to make a coffin that only serves a purpose for two or three days. These burial pods not only save many trees, they help nurture many more. Interestingly, the duo promises one can select different types of trees.

“The tree is chosen when the person is alive, relatives and friends look after it when death occurs. A cemetery will no longer be full of tombstones and will become a sacred forest,”

Currently struggling to bring about a change in the legislation, perhaps the designer duo should introduce their burial pods to the other parts of the world.

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1888594/burial-pods-biodegradable-coffins-could-one-day-replace-depressing-cemeteries-with-lush-green-forests/feed/0biodegradable-burial-pod-memory-forest-capsula-mundi-3The Burial Pod Will Give Back To The Mother Nature And Help Conserve Treesbiodegradable-burial-pod-memory-forest-capsula-mundi-9The Decomposing Burial Pod Will Supply Nutrients To The Plant Abovebiodegradable-burial-pod-memory-forest-capsula-mundi-4The Burial Pods Are Made Of Biodegradable And Naturally Sourced MaterialsSeed Bombers: Old Military Planes Redesigned To Drop 900,000 ‘Tree Bombs’ Per Day [Video]http://www.inquisitr.com/1862063/seed-bombers-old-military-planes-redesigned-to-drop-900000-tree-bombs-per-day-video/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1862063/seed-bombers-old-military-planes-redesigned-to-drop-900000-tree-bombs-per-day-video/#commentsSat, 21 Feb 2015 19:28:52 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1862063Among many in the green community who are environmentally cautious, the tantamount deforestation around the world has been a situation of high concern. Given the fact that most major ecosystems in danger of over-logging are the ones providing the world most of its oxygen, it is understandable why. The Inquisitr has kept up with the

Among many in the green community who are environmentally cautious, the tantamount deforestation around the world has been a situation of high concern. Given the fact that most major ecosystems in danger of over-logging are the ones providing the world most of its oxygen, it is understandable why. The Inquisitr has kept up with the latest on how they are fighting back, especially the tribes living in the Amazon Rainforest who capture, strip, and humiliate illegal loggers.

To be fair, the green community understands people do need wood. The problem is that the green concept of planting a tree for one cut down is not being followed or enforced. That may all change as a military innovation company has refitted military bombers to drop “seed bombs,” which will result in the planting of 900,000 trees per day.

According to an article by the Guardian and followed-up by Treehugger and Inhabitat, Lockheed Martin retrofitted a fleet of unused and decommissioned C-130 Hercules cargo planes, originally created to drop land mines, to drop “seed bombs” instead. If the plan goes according to Lockheed Martin’s design, the planes will be recommissioned as foresters. In a single day, each plan can drop up to 900,000 trees. Take into account that 2,500 C-130s are sitting unused in 70 different countries, a lot of tree saplings can surely be planted.

The idea for “seed bombing” originally came from former RAF pilot Jack Walters. His idea was published in a scientific paper almost 36 years ago. Unfortunately, Walters’ idea was deemed technologically impossible at the time. That is no longer the case today, as Peter Simmons, a Lockheed Martin representative, explains excitedly.

“The possibilities are amazing. We can fly at 1,000ft at 130 knots planting more than 3,000 cones a minute in a pattern across the landscape – just as we did with landmines, but in this case each cone contains a sapling. That’s 125,000 trees for each sortie and 900,000 trees in a day.”

If Lockheed Martin’s plan is dispersed across many countries, as much as one billion trees could be planted in one year. This is also very favorable for the military innovation company since they have a large carbon footprint. As a matter of fact, they hope to market their idea to other companies with large carbon footprints as a way to offset them.

To learn more about “seed bombing,” Minds provided videos that thoroughly explain how the process works. They are attached below for your viewing.

Now that you know Lockheed Martin’s plans to recommission old planes to plant trees to counter aggressive deforestation, what are your views? Which companies should jump on to help push this plan to fruition?

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1862063/seed-bombers-old-military-planes-redesigned-to-drop-900000-tree-bombs-per-day-video/feed/0Dutch Company Utilizes Plants To Power Streetlights, Wi-Fi, And Cell Phoneshttp://www.inquisitr.com/1844009/dutch-company-utilizes-plants-to-power-streetlights-wi-fi-and-cell-phones/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1844009/dutch-company-utilizes-plants-to-power-streetlights-wi-fi-and-cell-phones/#commentsSun, 15 Feb 2015 18:56:07 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1844009Over the past year, there has been a sudden boom from green technology companies to innovate ways to power cities never before thought of. The Inquisitr reported on such daring projects in which the latest is about a prototype “wind tree,” a design that can harvest electricity from sloe-speed winds. In an earlier report on

Over the past year, there has been a sudden boom from green technology companies to innovate ways to power cities never before thought of.

The Inquisitr reported on such daring projects in which the latest is about a prototype “wind tree,” a design that can harvest electricity from sloe-speed winds. In an earlier report on green power, a scientist found a way to create glow-in-the-dark plants, a beautiful alternative to bringing light to a city at night.

Now, there are reports of a new green method to provide power for people, which if utilized correctly, can replace present-day energy companies. This was discovered by a Dutch company that found a way to harvest electricity coming from the most unlikely of sources: plants.

According to Yes Magazine and followed-up by Inhabitat, the Dutch company known as Plant-e initially introduced their new energy project, known as “Starry Sky,” at a demonstration in Hembrug, Netherlands. In it, they were able to power 300 LED lights, a truly marvelous show for anyone in attendance. The unique part of this project is that the harvested electricity didn’t come from conventional or even traditional green energy sources — it was harvested from living plants.

Marjolein Helder, the co-founder and CEO of Plant-e, believes that the aforementioned method of harvesting electricity can be revolutionary. Using plants to generate clean energy provides an option on the table that has little to no impact on the environment, and may save consumers up to millions as a whole if implemented correctly into society. Yet, Helder understands to achieve such big dreams, one must take initial steps. For Plant-e, that is done not only through providing light, but by selling Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile chargers, and rooftop electricity modules, all fueled by living plants.

Apparently, the idea for using plants and photosynthesis to extract energy is an old one. Until now, such endeavors have been delegated to middle school projects, mostly in the form of clocks being powered by potatoes. Jim McGowan provided a graphic that gives a general summary of how this is done.

Though such an endeavor is novel, at this moment, it isn’t reliable as a commercial product. Ramaraja Ramasamy, an adjunct professor at the University of Georgia College of Engineering, explains that Plant-e utilizes sediment microbial fuel cells, a method that isn’t advanced enough to compete with more established green technology like solar panels and wind turbines. Also, it is fairly new, thus the research is quite limited.

In conclusion, Plant-e’s way of providing power through plants is interesting but not practical to use, especially in the United States and Japan, countries that use a monumental amount of electricity. Presently, Plant-e and other green technology companies like them are researching if it is possible to get around this situation.

Now that you’ve read the news on how a Dutch company is providing electricity through plants, what are your views? Do you think that such a way of providing power will eventually see the light of day in the United States or any other country that consumes a lot of electricity?

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1844009/dutch-company-utilizes-plants-to-power-streetlights-wi-fi-and-cell-phones/feed/0Powering by PlantsApple To Build $850 Million Massive Solar Energy Farm To Power Its Entire California Operationshttp://www.inquisitr.com/1833714/apple-to-build-850-million-massive-solar-energy-farm-to-power-its-entire-california-operations/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1833714/apple-to-build-850-million-massive-solar-energy-farm-to-power-its-entire-california-operations/#commentsWed, 11 Feb 2015 22:00:16 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1833714Considered the initiator for the green technology movement, solar power was first introduced back in the 90s. Though a novel concept that would ease the grip fossil fuels have on United States energy usage, the tech at the time was limited and flawed. Since then, green tech companies have invested much time and resources towards

Considered the initiator for the green technology movement, solar power was first introduced back in the 90s. Though a novel concept that would ease the grip fossil fuels have on United States energy usage, the tech at the time was limited and flawed. Since then, green tech companies have invested much time and resources towards solar power thus improvements have been made. The Inquisitr reported on such, in which solar panels now look like windows, something that will surely aid America’s need to switch over to solar energy. As for world news, Peru was able to provide free electricity by giving solar panels to its poorest citizens.

Now, solar power is once again in the news thanks to Apple. Apparently, the company made famous by the late Steve Jobs is building an $850 million solar power farm. Its goal is to power all of Apple’s operations in California.

According to an article by PC World, Apple will invest a total of $850 million in solar power farm in partnership with First Solar. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, confirmed this on Tuesday at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference. The farm will cover 1,300 acres, an equivalent of 1,000 American football fields. It is being built in Monterey County, about half an hour south of Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters.

The plant, which is known as Apple Campus II, will generate enough energy that it could power all of Apple’s operations in California. This includes data centers, retails stores, and offices. That is also enough energy to power 15,000 homes. However, it should be noted that certain Apple operations may or may not consume power directly from the plant. Instead, the investment will lock in a low, fixed rate for renewable energy, and probably obtain renewable energy certificates to offset its carbon footprint. This is all in part of improving Apple’s green credentials. They already have two solar farms, one on the East Coast and another in Nevada.

NBC also followed-up on the initial report, in which they provide a video clip of Tim Cook’s speech at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference, the part detailing the Apple Campus II. It is attached below for your viewing.

Now that you’ve read the article on Apple’s brand new solar energy farm that will power all their California operations, what are your views? Do you think such an endeavor should also be sought out to provide clean, renewable energy for residential use besides commercial and industrial operations?

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1833714/apple-to-build-850-million-massive-solar-energy-farm-to-power-its-entire-california-operations/feed/0Simple Invention Makes The Filthiest Water In The World Drinkable, Also Perfect For Third-World Countries [Video]http://www.inquisitr.com/1787489/simple-invention-makes-filthiest-water-in-world-drinkable-third-world-countries/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1787489/simple-invention-makes-filthiest-water-in-world-drinkable-third-world-countries/#commentsMon, 26 Jan 2015 00:24:50 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1787489The past couple of years has seen a movement to figure out ways clean drinking water could be provided to people. This may not seem such a big deal if people take into account that about 70 percent of the world is covered in water. However, less than 1 percent of that water is considered

The past couple of years has seen a movement to figure out ways clean drinking water could be provided to people. This may not seem such a big deal if people take into account that about 70 percent of the world is covered in water. However, less than 1 percent of that water is considered safe and sanitary for bathing, cleaning, and drinking for humanity. This is surely a problem that requires a lot of attention. The Inquisitr reported on the latest news pertaining to this problem, the latest being a solar-powered distiller providing clean water through desalination. The most unique — and probably the most disgusting — way to provide clean drinking water is through a machine, known as a Omniprocessor, that extracts and purifies water from poop.

No matter what the invention is, it must provide drinking water, especially with the fact that drinking water is a human necessity. People can only survive a maximum of three days without water, compared to food, which they can go up to three weeks. Therefore, it is amazing that a company was able to create an invention that people use like a restaurant straw that can be used on untreated, filthy water, yet that water will be safe for drinking once it reaches a user’s mouth.

LifeStraw has provided many people around the world access to safe, drinking water.

According to Vestergaard, the company known as LifeStraw created a water filter that closely replicates a drinking straw, converting the most contaminated water into clean safe, drinking water. Though LifeStraw products are vital tools for about 780 million people who don’t have ready access to safe drinking water, it is their drinking-straw-like invention of the same name that has received plenty of attention. It is lightweight, at only 56 grams (2 ounces), made of durable plastic, chemical free, and doesn’t require electricity. The most important detail of the LifeStraw is its ability to reduce water turbidity (muddiness) by filtering particulate matter larger than 0.2 microns and the removal of virtually all bacteria (99.9999 percent) and protozoan parasites (99.9 percent) that contaminate water, including giardia. Finally, one LifeStraw provides a minimum of 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of purified, clean drinking water.

Expanded Consciousness also reported on the LifeStraw. Along with the details already provided from other sources, they uploaded a video by Vat19‘s YouTube Channel that visually details what the LifeStraw can do. They even tested the LifeStraw out with toilet water. The video is attached below for your viewing.

Now that you know about the LifeStraw and what it can do for countries that have literally no access to safe, clean drinking water, what are your views? Do you think this is an invention that needs development for larger populations? Are there better methods of filtering contaminated water for people readily available that needs more attention?

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1787489/simple-invention-makes-filthiest-water-in-world-drinkable-third-world-countries/feed/0LifeStraw for Personal UseLifeStraw has provided many people around the world access to safe, drinking water.This 3D-Printed Building Is The Future Of Green Real Estatehttp://www.inquisitr.com/1778529/this-3d-printed-building-is-the-future-of-green-real-estate/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1778529/this-3d-printed-building-is-the-future-of-green-real-estate/#commentsThu, 22 Jan 2015 17:17:46 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1778529It might seem strange that 3D printing was used on space ships before being applied to solve the ever-growing housing crisis, but it’s true. Stepping up to the challenge, WinSun, a company based in China, created an apartment complex that is — you guessed it — a complete 3D-printed building. Towering five stories high and

It might seem strange that 3D printing was used on space ships before being applied to solve the ever-growing housing crisis, but it’s true. Stepping up to the challenge, WinSun, a company based in China, created an apartment complex that is — you guessed it — a complete 3D-printed building. Towering five stories high and equipped with decorative accents, WinSun’s accomplishment hints at the future of green real estate.

Though not the first building created from a 3D printer, WinSun’s recent creation was the first of its kind to be specifically designed as an apartment complex. In August 2014, 3D printing enthusiasts reported rumors of an entire 3D-printed estate planned for New York, but WinSun’s development goes beyond luxury to apply 3D printing to a practical need — affordable, comfortable, and visually appealing apartment complexes.

The complex isn’t lacking features, either. Unlike the 3D-printed castle created by a native Minnesotan, as discussed last year by the Inquisitr, the WinSun 3D-printed building is complete with stairs, interior design elements, and reinforced walls. This latest achievement is gaining much attention from the burgeoning green real estate community, as the company reports numerous eco-friendly benefits of 3D-printed housing.

After making headlines for the production of 10 smaller houses in less than a day, WinSun is leading progress with quick, affordable, and environmentally friendly apartment living. Completely customizable, designs are first drawn (and sometimes printed in a smaller scale, based on complexity) before being printed.

WinSun’s apartment complex was constructed by printing the individual pieces. Insulation, steel reinforcements, and other materials are then added before on-site assembly. In this case, the final dimensions of the 3D-printed building were 20x33x132, but the printer’s inventor, Ma Yihe, has bigger buildings in his vision of the future.

In addition to Yihe’s skilled team of engineers, a proprietary ink blend created mostly from recycled materials is a critical part of the project’s success. From start to finish, creating a 3D-printed building is said to take less time, materials, and resources when compared to traditional construction, and comes with a much smaller price tag (just over $160,000 for the apartment complex).

Because of the material used and manner in which the complex is assembled, Yiha estimates a savings of 60 to 80 percent on materials, labor, and project completion time. The overall construction of a 3D-printed building is highly wind resistant and holds up well against foundational disruption, such as during earthquakes. Yihe hopes to witness skyscrapers built with printed materials, but, for now, his accomplishment signals the beginning of an innovative approach to housing.

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1778529/this-3d-printed-building-is-the-future-of-green-real-estate/feed/2Solar-Powered Distiller Can Turn Salt Water Into Drinking Water, Perfect For Third-World Countries [Video]http://www.inquisitr.com/1767606/solar-powered-distiller-turn-salt-water-into-drinking-water/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1767606/solar-powered-distiller-turn-salt-water-into-drinking-water/#commentsMon, 19 Jan 2015 04:38:10 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1767606People who follow green news understand the movement for two things: growing/eating organic and the utilization of alternative, environmentally-safe forms of energy. The Inquisitr has reported numerous times on such news. Pertaining to organic food, a park in California is dedicated to growing vegetables that feed over 200,000 people every month. When it comes to

People who follow green news understand the movement for two things: growing/eating organic and the utilization of alternative, environmentally-safe forms of energy. The Inquisitr has reported numerous times on such news. Pertaining to organic food, a park in California is dedicated to growing vegetables that feed over 200,000 people every month. When it comes to alternative energy, Peru pushed an initiative to provide free solar power to its people.

The two news stories above are examples of how people are dedicated to the environment. However, there is now another green news movement gaining ground, and it has to do with drinking water. Despite the fact the world is 70 percent covered by water, less than one percent is fresh. That minuscule amount is where we get our drinking water. Sadly, the scenario of running out of drinking water is now possible. If that happens, we will be in a lot of trouble.

To counter such an issue, inventors, advocates, and companies are working up ways to provide drinking water to the world. Bill Gates funded the building of a machine that extracts and processes drinking water from human excrement. That is one fine example of harvesting drinking water, but there may be a practical way for people to get their glass of water thanks to a solar-powered distiller.

According to an article back in 2012 by Earthtechling, Gabriele Diamanti spent many years traveling the world. The one problem that was similar among most people he met was the lack of clean drinking water. This situation is a reality for millions of people who are forced to endure compromised health conditions and poor standards of living because of it. In most cases, many have to walk long hours to find water supplies — most of the time polluted — only to carry it back home. And this problem is only going to get worse as it is estimated that two-thirds of the world’s population will lack sufficient fresh water by 2025.

Being an industrial designer with knowledge in renewal energy and social issues, Gabriele Diamanti created a solution in the form of a device that takes salt or brackish water and creates something drinkable through the solar-powered distiller, or solar still.

Mass Report recently wrote an article on the solar still, which Gabriele Diamante named the “Eliodomestico” (sun household). It reports that Gabriele wanted to create something truly domestic, ergo recognizable yet easy-to-use. He believed if he provided a typical still, similar to the over-complicated contraptions working 24/7 in plants, it would intimidate potential users.

“It’s rare to find a solar still in a domestic context rather than in missions or hospitals, or as large plants overseen by qualified personnel that serve entire communities. I tried to make something for a real household that could be operated directly by the families.

“My goal was to design something friendly and recognizable for the users. The process developed quite naturally to determine the current shape; every detail is there for a reason, so the form, as well as production techniques, represent a compromise between technical and traditional.”

As for how it works, Gabriele Diamanti provided an instructional video that details the Eliodomestico’s fresh water producing process. It is attached below for your viewing.

Now that you’ve read the latest on the solar still, what are your views? Could you see the benefit this invention could bring people around the world? Do you see the solar still having any benefit here in the United States?

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1767606/solar-powered-distiller-turn-salt-water-into-drinking-water/feed/0Japan Releases Designs For First Underwater City: You Will Be In Awe In What They Have Planned [Gallery]http://www.inquisitr.com/1764505/japan-first-underwater-city-gallery/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1764505/japan-first-underwater-city-gallery/#commentsSun, 18 Jan 2015 03:51:07 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1764505Over the last five years, there has been a major shift in homes resulting in today’s trend to downsize to save on both resources and expenditures. The results of the trend have been reported by the Inquisitr within the past year. Though downsized living was established in 1999 with tiny houses, it would be around

Over the last five years, there has been a major shift in homes resulting in today’s trend to downsize to save on both resources and expenditures. The results of the trend have been reported by the Inquisitr within the past year. Though downsized living was established in 1999 with tiny houses, it would be around 2007 when it would experience a spike in sales due to the housing market bubble bursting. However, the burst bubble didn’t just effect sales on houses, but also rent prices. As a result, those who couldn’t afford a mortgage, including one for a tiny house, sought alternative living conditions such as canal boats.

The above examples are optimal living conditions for those with decreased income and higher expenses. Yet some organizations believe to counter the problem is to explore other forms of living establishments. Japan may be at the forefront for such an view as one of their businesses proposes building a new giant city. The unique thing about it is its location: underwater.

According to an article by CNN, it reports that Japanese construction firm, Shimizu Corporation, is proposing a concept on creating something known as the Ocean Spiral, an underwater metropolis that generates energy from the seabed and is capable of providing dwellings and accommodation for 5,000 people. The $26 billion project will receive a lot of assistance with expert advice from the Tokyo University, Japanese government ministries, and energy firms. Shimizu Corporation also made it clear that projects like the Ocean Spiral are necessary as global problems, like rising sea levels and the energy crisis, become more prominent.

ABC News also reported on the Ocean Spiral in which designers gave a direct statement verifying the prospect of maximizing the potential the ocean has to offer.

“Breaking free from past patterns of land development, which have focused mainly on efficiency, this plan is intended to promote true sustainability while maximizing use of the deep sea’s resources.”

The Ocean Spiral is tethered to the ocean floor by ballasts while the city would be protected by a sea wall from larger waves. The city is designed to be entirely sustainable, with fisheries providing food for its inhabitants, desalinization filters offering unlimited fresh water, power made from thermal energy conversion and the reuse of carbon dioxide emissions by microorganisms that live on the sea floor. Summarized, the Shimizu Corporation just built an a behemoth underwater aquaponics system.

If you want to see more pictures of the Ocean Spiral proposal, check out the gallery below for your viewing. If you want to learn more about the Ocean Spiral, check out its page at the Shimizu Corporation’s official website.

The question on people’s minds is when is this project is expected to be done, and how can one become a resident? Since the project is still in proposal form, there are no plans to build. Until approval is granted, there will be no Ocean Spiral. Nevertheless, the concept is still awe-inspiring.

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1764505/japan-first-underwater-city-gallery/feed/1Ocean Spiral – Blue Garden Grand EntranceThe Grand Entrance is the top part of the Blue Garden Sphere.Ocean Spiral – Blue Garden SphereThe Blue Garden Sphere is the highlight of the Ocean Spiral and also serves as the entrance.Ocean Spiral – Deep Sea GondolaThe Deep-Sea Gondola extends from the bottom of the Blue Garden Sphere all the way down to the seabed.Ocean Spiral – Inner AtriumOcean Spiral – LandscapeThe Ocean Spiral viewed from a distance is a mesmerizing view!Abu Dhabi Gearing Up For World ‘Solar Challenge’ Car Racing Event [Video]http://www.inquisitr.com/1757471/abu-dhabi-gearing-up-for-world-solar-challenge-car-racing-event-video/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1757471/abu-dhabi-gearing-up-for-world-solar-challenge-car-racing-event-video/#commentsThu, 15 Jan 2015 14:50:55 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1757471Abu Dhabi is hosting what is considered to be the world’s greatest solar car event, namely the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC). This first International Solarcar Federation event took off at Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates Thursday. Reuters reports the event is sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted

Abu Dhabi is hosting what is considered to be the world’s greatest solar car event, namely the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC). This first International Solarcar Federation event took off at Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates Thursday.

Reuters reports the event is sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted by Masdar, the renewable energy company, between January 15 and 19. The event leads the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), and will end with the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit also set to take place in Abu Dhabi.

The solar car challenge — together with the week’s events as a whole — brings to the forefront innovation using clean technology, of which Abu Dhabi is currently a leader. The event will welcome student teams from America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, competing in a cross-country road event in their solar powered vehicles.

The event covers approximately 745 miles, and the vehicles will compete over the next four days for the championship title. The course includes both city and desert road driving, meaning it is definitely a challenge in an event where smooth and economical driving are key.

Starting and ending at the Yas Marina Circuit, the team who completes the qualifying lap in the fastest time will win a prestigious award.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, told the media in a statement that they are thrilled to be the launch venue for such an important solar car event, saying that this is a great way to engage youth and wishing all the students luck in the race. He said that the event complements other activities, including their F1 in schools program.

Participating teams will undergo the qualifying round on Thursday on a track which has seen world famous F1 drivers in the past. To be able to move on to the on-road challenge starting January 16, all teams must successfully complete the qualifying round.

According to the Masdar Institute, Dr. Ahmad Belhout, CEO of Masdar, said in a press conference that the solar challenge brings clean technology to life, highlighting Abu Ahabi’s role in the sector, saying, “From cutting-edge vehicle technology to harnessing solar energy, the challenge exemplifies what human ingenuity can achieve.”

Masdar City itself was originally designed by the British architectural firm Foster and Partners, and relies totally on solar and other renewable energy sources. The city is aiming for a zero carbon footprint. The city is being constructed 11 miles outside of the city of Abu Dhabi, next to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The video below gives more detail of the city.

In other energy-saving efforts, the Inquisitr reported recently that China has plans to strip-mine the moon for the rare isotope, Helium-3, in an attempt to solve the world’s energy crisis.

]]>http://www.inquisitr.com/1757471/abu-dhabi-gearing-up-for-world-solar-challenge-car-racing-event-video/feed/0Bill Gates Drinks Clean Water Made From Human Feceshttp://www.inquisitr.com/1745936/bill-gates-drinks-clean-water-made-from-human-feces/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1745936/bill-gates-drinks-clean-water-made-from-human-feces/#commentsSun, 11 Jan 2015 18:23:27 +0000http://www.inquisitr.com/?p=1745936Bill Gates is currently working with a company called Janicki Bioenergy that built a revolutionary sewage treatment machine able to transform human waste and sewage into drinkable water, electricity, and pathogen-free ash. The Omniprocessor was created to provide potable water for those in need in developing countries. According to Forbes, the machine operates based on

Bill Gates is currently working with a company called Janicki Bioenergy that built a revolutionary sewage treatment machine able to transform human waste and sewage into drinkable water, electricity, and pathogen-free ash. The Omniprocessor was created to provide potable water for those in need in developing countries.

According to Forbes, the machine operates based on a simple three-part system. First it takes the human waste and sewer sludge up a conveyor belt, where it is boiled into vapor. Then, the dried sludge goes into a burner and produces high-pressure steam, which travels down to a generator to produce electricity that powers the machine and surrounding communities. Finally, the vapor that has been gathered from the sludge is processed through a cleaning system and transformed into clean, fresh H2O.

Gates, who witnessed the entire process, commented on what he saw in a recent blog post.

“I watched the piles of feces go up the conveyor belt and drop into a large bin. They made their way through the machine, getting boiled and treated. A few minutes later I took a long taste of the end result: a glass of delicious drinking water. The water tasted as good as any I’ve had out of a bottle. And having studied the engineering behind it, I would happily drink it every day. It’s that safe.”

The revolutionary Omniprocessor has the capacity to process waste from 100,000 people, which equates to around 86,000 liters of drinkable water per day and 250 kilowatts of electricity, without violating any of the emission standards outlined by the U.S. government. It comes as no surprise that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has endorsed this project, and provided funding for the company to carry out its first demonstration project in Senegal.

According to Bill Gates, around two billion people in the world use toilets that are not drained properly, leading to contamination of drinking water for millions of other people. Gates further remarked that over 700,000 children die each year as a result of poor sanitation conditions.

The Gates Foundation has always been an exponent for improving the quality of people’s lives around the world, especially when it comes to sanitary conditions. The Omniprocessor will undoubtedly be a step toward providing clean drinking water to developing countries in the world where there is limited access to such supplies. Gates remains excited and optimistic about the potential this processor could have for the future.